Courage and Conviction: Unpretentious Christianity

Today, many Christians, concerned and challenged by contemporary trends in society and religion, are bewildered and perhaps tempted to leave the Church and manage on their own.  Courage and Conviction is addressed to discerning adult Christians who seek something between high theology and pious platitudes. Ranging from consideration of Christian identity, via the challenge of faith-filled living in a world of diversity, to suggestions for mature discipleship today, these reflections—building on Scripture studies, cultural anthropology, and life experience—are offered by way of support, encouragement, and perhaps further enlightenment.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS   Introduction Part 1: Identity and Commitment Chapter One: “The Wind Was Against Them” (Mark 6:48): Facing Life’s Challenges Chapter Two: “Stretch Out Your Hand” (Luke 6:10); “Stand Up Straight!” (John 5:8): Restoration and Renewal Chapter Three: “They Set Out at Once and Returned” (Luke 24:33): Rethinking and Recommitting to the Mission Chapter Four: “It Shall Not Be So Among You” (Mark 10:43): From Domination to Communion Chapter Five: “Do This in Memory of Me” (1 Cor 11:25): An Urgent Agenda for Every Christian Part 2: Margins, Mission, and Diversity Chapter Six: “Give Them Something to Eat Yourselves” (Mark 6:37): Challenges and Possibilities for Marginal Ministry Chapter Seven: “My Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth” (Acts 1:8): Missionary Discipleship at the Margins Chapter Eight: “As I Have Done, You Should Do Also” (John 13:15): A Christian Response to Diversity Chapter Nine: “True Worship: In Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:23): Can We Get Beyond Religion? Chapter Ten: “Let Us Go Elsewhere: That Is Why I Came” (Mark 1:38): Faith, Culture, Movement, and Mission Part 3: Models of and Models for Discipleship Today Chapter Eleven: “It Is Not You Who Speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11): A Call to Prudent, Risk-Taking Discipleship Chapter Twelve: “Be Careful How You Live” (Eph 5:15): Gossip, Gospel, and God’s Open Secret Chapter Thirteen: “People Were Saying, ‘He Has Gone Out of His Mind’ ” (Mark 3:21): Called to Holy Madness Chapter Fourteen: “Do Whatever He Tells You” (John 2:5): Mary, the First to Hear and Respond Chapter Fifteen: “By This, Everyone Will Know You Are My Disciples” (John 13:35): Would Jesus Recognize Today’s Church? Scripture Index Subject Index Author Index

About the Author :
Anthony J. Gittins (1943-2023) was an ordained member of the Spiritan missionary Congregation who served for a decade in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He taught theology and anthropology for thirty years in London and Chicago and was the author of numerous books on culture and theology, mission, spirituality, and discipleship.

Review :
"Who is a Christian (identity)? How is Christian commitment related to Christian mission (life at the margins)? How is Christian mission realized today (discipleship)? Only a theologian and anthropologist as learned and wise as Anthony Gittins can help us answer these three questions with `courage and conviction.' And don't be fooled by the subtitle of the book. Gittins's answers are anything but `unpretentious' because they are deeply rooted in the Bible (each chapter being a challenging meditation on a biblical text!) and born of a lifelong missionary practice at the margins of society. Pick up the book and read and your life will not be the same."Peter C. Phan, Ellacuría Chair of Catholic Social Thought, Georgetown University "Courage and Conviction is by far one of the best books from Anthony Gittins. It speaks clearly and directly to an intergenerational audience of Christians who are seeking to embrace and renew commitments to following Jesus with hearts on fire and eyes wide open."Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, Associate Professor of Missiology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry "Courage and Conviction: Unpretentious Christianity is a must-read for those who long to deepen the living of their faith in the contemporary global and ecclesial realities. Once again Gittins's experience, wisdom, and insights draw the reader to a depth of reflection on what is asked of us if we are to be intentional about responding to the call to discipleship. The seamless integration of Scripture in each chapter challenges readers to ponder how they are being called to live their baptismal commitment and be the presence of love in a world where so many hunger and thirst for justice. Honestly facing the questions posed throughout the book while making one uncomfortable can move one from complacency to commitment to ongoing discernment of the Spirit's invitation and action."Joan Marie Steadman, CSC, Executive Director, Leadership Conference of Women Religious "The urgency of this writing is not in the offering of new ideas for growing into our Christian call but in living out that call—courageously, collectively, and faithfully—in the world in urgent need of hope, healing, reconciliation, and Good News. Courage is needed to see beyond comfortably held understandings and to risk falling into the full embrace of the deeper truth and beauty of Christian discipleship. Conviction is not presented here in the tone of insistence but as participation in—and cooperation with—the Divine gifting of creative imagination and Jesus' model of discipleship. The urgency is at hand; so also is the mission `where we are, not somewhere else,' for compassionate and inclusive encounter, upholding the dignity of diversity, loving the least among us, intercultural and countercultural witness, giving hope, and living `holy madness.' In this book, Fr. Anthony honors Christian adults in this mission to be the vision and presence of Jesus in the world."Colleen Gregg, Retreat Center Director for Sisters of Mercy "This book is the fruit of years of deep reflection on what it means to be a Christian in today's world. Savor the wisdom, faith, and practical insights that fill every page. This is a book that should be underlined, used for prayer, and shared with others."Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Vice President for Mission, Professor of Theology and Catholic Studies, Sacred Heart University "Delighting in the joy of revelation, so much more life-giving than mere `religion,' Gittins is a helpful companion no matter what road you have taken. Precisely because he knows he has not yet discovered all there is to know and love, Gittins can help you find even initial answers to the questions that won't go away."Thomas McCarthy, OP, Former editor of Dominican Publications in Dublin, Rector of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, Italy "In the wake of the latest reports on abuse scandals and the subsequent critique of systemic clericalism, Courage and Conviction is a useful guide for theologically-educated and/or ministerially-active Catholics struggling with both ecclesial and personal spiritual malaise. As a meditative reflection, it will help reignite creative passion in steadfast yet worn-out Catholic-Christians yearning to recommit themselves to discipleship rooting in Jesus's mercy and love."Katherine A. Greiner, Theological Studies "Courage and Conviction is pastoral in approach with a particular aim to instruct the lay person and promote growth in Christian discipleship. Gittins seamlessly weaves the more abstract realities of social constructs alongside an exposition of biblical accounts, all while keeping the language accessible. There is plenty to nourish the lay leader and anyone else in pursuit of advancing the church's mission into the world."Catholic Book Review